Things retail businesses can do to reduce their carbon footprint

Running a successful business that is carbon accountable is difficult. However, this should not dissuade you from making your business a sustainable venture that does not surrender to the climate crisis. Many scientists have predicted that climate change will devastate economies and populations, and significantly increase the cost of doing business as the resources become scantier. So, from a business as well as an altruistic point of view, it is important to support energy conservation and fight climate change by reducing your company’s carbon footprint. Here’s how you can do that. 

1. Improve the efficiency of your retail store lighting

Changing all the lighting to more energy-efficient sources such as LED lights can make a huge difference in your battle against climate change. Also, many stores are artificially lit unnecessarily. If possible, include natural light sources for maximum energy conservation. Natural light is also associated with reduced health hazards and improved sleep. 

Investing in the latest technologies like motion-sensors can help ensure all lights are turned off when the area is not in use. Dimmable lights are another way to enhance the efficiency of your store lighting. 

2. Optimize the heating and cooling systems

Another way to reduce your retail business’s carbon footprint is by implementing temperature controls. A lot of energy can be conserved if the heating and air conditioning systems are timed correctly. And the best way to do this is by installing a building management system. 

In addition to that, getting your boiler regularly serviced is important for the smooth functioning of the system. You must clean the fins on the heating and cooling appliances to improve their efficiency. Installing a window film that reflects the light outside during summers is also helpful. 

3. Reduce, reuse, and recycle

Sustainable procurement of all resources is the most effective way of energy conservation. Reducing the consumption of items such as phones, water, food and drink, packaging, etc. can also help. This is because the manufacture and transport of all these items is directly associated with carbon footprint. 

Investing in refurbished phones and IT equipment as well as recycled paper is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions and promote an ecological business model. 

4. Follow a greener approach to eCommerce

Ecommerce has largely transformed customer expectations about the vast array of product assortment and the speed of delivery. However, this new trend is drastically raising the retailer’s carbon footprint. Low or zero shipping costs incentivize smaller baskets and quick delivery increases air freight. 

To counter this, eCommerce retailers must avoid split shipments and encourage consumers to combine their purchases. Also, they must steer customers to in-store pickups. These retailers can also reduce the shipping impact by using in-store inventory. 

Conclusion

These are some of the most effective ways in which retailers can contribute to energy conservation and reduce their company’s carbon footprint. Doing your small bit can go a long way towards sustaining the planet and avoiding climate crisis. 

According to carbon trust, 20% cut in energy costs represents a same profit savings as a 5% increase in sales. This means a decrease in energy consumption could improve the profit margins. Minion energy saving platform has helped many businesses bring down their energy cost. It can help save upto 30% of their annual savings.